protect your data and get full visibility into your SaaS environment

microsoft defender for cloud apps

Organizations rely heavily on cloud applications to keep teams productive and connected but that shift introduces new risks. Shadow IT grows as employees adopt unapproved tools. Sensitive data moves through more places than security teams can monitor. Hybrid work complicates visibility. At the same time, attackers increasingly target SaaS platforms because these apps hold the most valuable business data.

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps gives leaders a way to regain control. It helps uncover hidden cloud activity, identify risks behavior, and apply safeguards across the tools employees use every day.

What is Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is a cloud security solution that helps organizations discover cloud app usage, assess risk, protect sensitive information, detect threats, and safeguard data across SaaS environments. It acts as a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) solution within the Microsoft security ecosystem.

For IT and business leaders, it solves challenges such as:

Lack of visibility into cloud app usage and shadow IT
Data exposure risks tied to third-party SaaS platforms
Compliance requirements across industries and regions
Threats targeting cloud apps through stolen credentials or abnormal user behavior
Misconfigurations inside SaaS tools that create openings for attackers

What can you do with Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps?

Give your team the tools to uncover cloud activity, manage risk, and apply safeguards across the SaaS platforms your organization relies on.

Shadow IT discovery

Identify all cloud applications in use across your environment—even unapproved ones. Defender for Cloud Apps categorizes apps based on risk and helps you device which to approve, block, or monitor.

SaaS security posture management

Review and strengthen the security configuration of connected SaaS platforms. The tool highlights weak or unsafe settings and provides recommendations that reduce exposure.

Data protection and governance

Safeguard sensitive data with built-in DLP capabilities. Defender for Cloud Apps scans cloud content, detects regulated data, and applies automated controls to prevent unauthorized sharing or downloads.

Threat detection and investigation

Defender for Cloud Apps uses analytics to detect anomalies, risky OAuth apps, compromised accounts, and unusual file movements. Alerts feed into Microsoft's broader security stack for faster incident response.

AI and app integration governance

Stay ahead of emerging risks. Defender for Cloud Apps identifies the use of generative AI tools and third-party integrations, surfaces potential risks, and gives administrators control over how these apps interact with business data.

Do you want to find out more?

If your organization needs a clearer view of cloud activity, stronger data protections, or guidance on securing SaaS applications, our consultants can help. We work with your team to assess your current environment, identify risks, and build a plan that aligns Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps with your goals. From discovery to configuration and policy development, we support every step. Connect with us to explore what a secure SaaS strategy looks like for your business.

How can Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps help your organization?

Synergy Technical textured background image for the Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps page.

An employee working from home securely accesses sensitive corporate documents, protected by Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, ensuring data security and compliance even outside the corporate network.

An employee confidently works knowing that Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps safeguards all sensitive documents, preventing unauthorized access and mitigating data loss risks.

Regain visibility and control across your cloud footprint

Organizations often struggle to track all the apps employees rely on, especially with remote teams. Defender for Cloud Apps provides clarity by mapping out cloud usage and identifying areas that need attention. Leaders can set standards for app adoption and remove guesswork from SaaS governance.

An employee securely accesses a cloud app protected by encryption and Conditional Access App Control, ensuring that only authorized users can interact with corporate data while maintaining security policies.

Protect sensitive data in a SaaS-driven workplace

Business-critical information constantly moves across cloud platforms. Defender for Cloud Apps applies consistent data protections across sanctioned and unsanctioned apps. Automated controls support compliance requirements and help reduce accidental or intentional data exposure.

An IT security team explores app governance capabilities in Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, allowing them to monitor, govern, and protect the organization's line-of-business applications, ensuring compliance and reducing security risks.

An employee works from home with confidence, knowing that Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is securing his workloads, preventing unauthorized access and protecting sensitive data in the cloud.

An employee works remotely using line-of-business applications protected by Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, ensuring that corporate data remains secure while enabling seamless productivity from any location.

Strengthen threat defense and reduce time to respond

Cloud apps are part of the modern attack surface. Defender for Cloud Apps detects suspicious signs—mass downloads, unusual login patterns, risky OAuth consent, and more. Combined with Microsoft's XDR capabilities, it helps teams investigate incidents, contain threats quickly, and prevent repeat issues.

Dive deeper into the Microsoft Defender family

Microsoft Defender is a comprehensive suite of security solutions that helps protect your entire digital estate across endpoints, identities, email, cloud apps, and infrastructure.

Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender for Business

Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Microsoft Defender for Identity

Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Microsoft Defender XDR

Our consulting services related to Microsoft Defender

We offer assessments, engagements, design and configuration, and more. Each resulting in a roadmap to success for your digital transformation.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Services

Cloud Security Consulting Services

End User Security Awareness Training

Managed IT Services

Microsoft 365 Copilot Readiness Assessment

Microsoft 365 Security Assessment

Microsoft CSP Licensing

Microsoft Security Workshops

Microsoft Sentinel

How we're different

Recognitions and certifications

Synergy Technical has been accredited with several partner recognitions.

Microsoft FastTrack Ready Partner

FastTrack is a combination of resources, engineering expertise, and best practices that ensures you have the most efficient deployment and adoption possible.

Microsoft Security Workshop Partner

As a leading Microsoft Security Workshop partner, we help organizations assess their environments and strengthen protection using Microsoft's productivity and security solutions.

Microsoft Cloud Solutions Partner

Subject matter experts in Modern Work for Enterprise and SMB, cybersecurity architecture, identity and access management, information protection, and additional specializations.

Our proven experience

Deployed over 20M seats of Office 365, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft EMS
Customers in all 50 states
Experience in 70+ countries